Sandall Beat 10k: All Wright on the night for Simon

Steve Hossack

A record entry of 273 contested last Wednesday night’s race, which started and finished in Doncaster Rugby Union Club’s Castle Park complex and included a two-lap circuit in the adjoining Sandall Beat wood.

Doncaster Athletic Club’s Simon Wright won the race for the first time in his first outing as vet-50 runner.

Contesting the race for only the second time, Wright led from start to finish and crossed the line well clear.

“The plan was to give it a go from the start and see what happened,” said Wright, who ended his time as a vet-45 when winning the age-group race in last month’s Askern 10k.

“I didn’t look behind to see how close the next runners were. I just ran my own race and tried to keep up with the cyclist (who acted as the ‘lead car’).

“I was running on my own for most of the race and I hadn’t done that for a long time, so it was something a bit new for me.

“I love running off road and I don’t get much chance to do it in a competitive race, though I do train a lot in the woods so I was familiar with that part of the course.

“I think my time was really respectful given that it was a bit boggy in the wood. So, I’m really happy with that and I’ll be looking to get under 34 in a 10k road race this year.”

The record entry pleased new race director Kev Lincoln.

“The race is getting more and more popular every year,” he said.

“It was also good to see a strong contingent from the three local clubs as well as support from further afield.

n Doncaster Athletic Club’s Carl Ryde beat more than 200 runners to take the Owston Ferry 10k honours on Sunday in a time of 32.53.